Tuesday, August 21, 2007

After a long journey from Hong Kong, which involved a 7-hour layover compounded by a 3-hour delay, we arrived in Chicago. We missed the last flight to Grand Rapids, our destination, by just 20 minutes. The airline arranged hotel rooms for us, and we took a shuttle for a short night’s rest. We must have been a pretty sorry sight to the hotel staff. One of them looked at us, shook his head, and simply said, “Distressed travelers.” Perhaps in the travel industry that is a common term, but it was new to me. And it felt appropriate after 2 hard days of travel.

That experience was, for me, something of a metaphor for life. We are pilgrims in this world, traveling to a heavenly home that will be beyond description. Along the way, however, the cares and burdens of the journey can rob us of our hope and joy. We become distressed travelers in desperate need of encouragement and refreshment. The Lord calls to weary pilgrims like us, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). Only He can give us rest for our souls to strengthen us for the road ahead.

Are you distressed in your journey? Lean on Him! His love and care are there to restore your heart. —Bill Crowder

Strength and courage for the weary,God’s own hand to guide each day—This and more is for the askingWhen we meditate and pray. —Anon.

As you travel life’s weary road, let Jesus lift your heavy load.

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Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. —Matthew 11:28